Manuscript Editing

We offer Manuscript Editing as a stand-alone service, or as a prelude to publishing your book.

Your manuscript is an important document and editing your work correctly is vital – it can mean the difference between a contract with a publisher, and no contract at all. Author and editor collaborate to tune the book to reach its highest potential. With this accomplished it can be presented to a publisher with confidence.

Although your work is of a high standard, the author cannot pick up all the errors due to the emotional closeness to the work. This is where the editor comes in – with a objective view, they scrutinise the manuscript, amend errors, and where necessary suggest alterations to improve the flow of the story.

The usual process of editing is that the manuscript goes back and forth between author and editor until both are happy with the result. You can then seek a publisher or it can be passed onto our publishing department for typesetting, cover design and then onto the printer (see Publishing Your Book). The editor can also assist with suggestions for cover design if requested.

If you are submitting your manuscript for editing only, please ensure the following guidelines are followed:

There are three types of editing – Copyediting, Structural and Proofreading.

Copyediting Does not involve structural editing, but looks for consistency and flow, accuracy and clarity. It checks for punctuation and spelling accuracy. At times copyediting can overlap with structural editing.

Structural Edit Also known as content or substantive editing. This process checks the content, style, language, layout, presentation, chapter, characterisation and consistency, story, audience suitability, strengths and weaknesses and general structure. It also ensures the author’s ‘voice’ is clear and is a much more in-depth edit and recommended to ensure your manuscript is ready for a publisher.

Proofreading This is the final stage of the editing process. Proofreading is usually performed after the main edit and first draft print run is complete to check for any typos, punctuation, correct page and chapter numbering, that all deletions and insertions have been carried out and the allotted ‘style’ has been followed. When proofreading is complete, the final copies are printed or formatted for downloading as an eBook.

At Aurora House, your manuscript is proofread after the main edit and before going to the typesetter, when the typeset PDF is available, and again when the eBooks are created.

Any matters of fact included in the work will be deemed as correct and fully researched by the author. Aurora House takes no responsibility for incorrect facts after editing the manuscript and/or publishing is complete.

Please note that any printed manuscripts must be accompanied by a disk or electronic copy as all editing is performed on screen using MS Word and Track Changes. If no email address is accessible for returns while editing, a printed copy can be mailed and will include all amendments.

The editing fees below are for copy editing with minimal structural changes. Manucripts are usually a mix of copy and structural editing. For heavy editing, the manuscript will need to be assessed before editing can take place.

Editing Rate:

Editing Rate per 100 Words:

Proofreading: 0.65 per 100 words

Copy edit: $1.25 – $2.45 per 100 words

Structural edit: $2.15 – $3.25 per 100 words

Most manuscripts are a mix of both copy and structural editing and the fee will be assessed according to the work required. Once we sight your entire manuscript, we can give an accurate quote.

We offer three payment plans: 1. Full payment before commencement of editing. 2. A deposit of 40% paid at commencement of the editing contract and the balance paid upon completion. 3. Payment by installments, spaced throughout the editing contract, with final payment upon completion.

When submitting a manuscript for Editing, please download, print, complete and sign the Aurora House Editing Agreement and either mail to us at:

Aurora House P.O. Box 2489 Bowral NSW 2576 Australia

Or complete the details below and attach manuscript and completed form. We will assess your level of editing required and contact you. Please submit in MS Word only.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message

In the event that the form cannot be scanned, please mail to us separately. Work will not commence until we have received the documentation and payment for whichever payment plan has been arranged.

Payment may be made with Paypal, Money Order, Direct Debit (Australia only), Credit Card. Please see our Contact page for full payment details.

In submitting your manuscript for Editing, you are agreeing to us performing the chosen Manuscript Edit and understand that the editor is working with you on a non-biased basis, and any alterations, amendments or comments is purely about the manuscript and not meant as personal criticism about the author.